Induced Relaxation And Therapeutic Apparatus And Method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for introducing multisensory stimuli. The apparatus includes an ergonomically contoured seating device, at least one vibrating acoustic device, at least one plate for dispersing vibration throughout the entire seating device, a rotatable mechanism for rotating the seating device.

1 . An apparatus for providing multisensory stimuli to induce a relaxation response comprising:
 a unitary reclining seat member contoured to support the whole body of a participant;   at least one transducer mounted to the seat for providing vibratory stimulation;   at least one plate for dispersing vibration about the seat;   a base for supporting the seat; and,   a mechanism having at least two actuators for moving the seat to simulate gentle wave-like rocking motion.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the seat member includes a seatback portion tilted relative to the seat, and a leg rest portion tilted to the seat so that the seat member is ergonomically designed. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the transducer receives frequency control signals from a control device. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plate causes vibration on the entire seat. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the rotatable mechanism has a capability of rocking the seat back and forth and side-to-side. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a monitor is mounted above the seat so that the light and images therefrom are transmitted. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes a computer actuated control to create an interaction delivery system. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said vibratory stimulation is responsive to biofeedback or neurofeedback sensors to enhance sensory stimulation utilizing a variety of visual, audio, temperature, and olfactory sensory actuators. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said vibratory stimulation is variable. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said vibratory stimulation is provided over a period of time adjusted by the use of a timer or a presetting device. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a control device operative coupled to said transducer and having at least one audio presentation. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one audio presentation includes a hypnotic suggestion for overcoming a behavioral problem. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus for providing multisensory stimuli to include a relaxation response comprising:
 a unitary reclining seat member contoured to support the whole body of a participant;   a display device;   a headphone;   a plurality of transducers for providing vibratory stimulation;   a base for supporting the seat member;   a control device operatively coupled to the display device, the headphone and the transducers for controlling multisensory stimuli; and,   a mechanism having at least two actuators for moving the seat member to stimulate gentle wave-like rocking motion.   
     
     
         14 . A method of providing multisensory stimulation to an individual using an apparatus of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 positioning a monitor relative to the individual seated on the seating device;   activating a pre-programmed computer or a pre-recorded media to control various sensory stimulation elements;   rocking the seat member; and   activating the transducer through a sound system to generate vibration on the seating device in its entirety at an acceleration dependent on the vibration that is outputted by the transducer.